The former head of a children’s cancer charity has been jailed for three years, six months suspended, for stealing €650,000 from the charity’s bank account.

In addition, the man has been ordered to pay over €1m to the Quality of Life Gala foundation in compensation, the NRC said.

A second man, the charity’s former treasurer, was given a three month suspended sentence and 240 hours community service for failing to take action about the embezzlement.

The case came to light in 2011 when another board member noticed his colleague was claiming expenses for meals, a mobile phone and luxury hotel stays. He had also paid his mortgage, home renovations and furniture using charity cash, the NRC said.

The main suspect also defrauded ABN Amro, his former employer American Express and two other companies out of money, some of which he used to pay back the foundation.

Much of the money was raised for the charity during gala events attended by celebrities, some of whom also performed for free.